CMA CGM Group has signed a preliminary agreement to acquire France-based aircraft maintenance specialist Crystal Aero Solutions to strengthen air cargo support, reports Abu Dhabi's Middle East Logistics.

The deal is part of CMA CGM's strategy to expand air freight activities and boost in-house maintenance as its freighter fleet grows. Crystal Aero Solutions has supported CMA CGM Air since 2024 and operates from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, Brussels, and Liège.

The company provides line and light maintenance services for airlines and third-party operators and deploys teams for international engine support projects, particularly in Africa and Asia.

CMA CGM currently operates eight freighters, including five Boeing 777Fs, two Boeing 747Fs, and one Airbus A330F. Further growth is planned from 2027 with deliveries of eight Airbus A350Fs, for which CMA CGM is the launch customer.

Senior Vice President Damien Mazaudier stated that the acquisition represents a new stage in CMA CGM's air cargo growth strategy, allowing the carrier to rely on Crystal's expertise as its network expands.

Crystal Aero Solutions will continue to operate independently under its existing management team, serving airlines and third-party customers while benefiting from synergies under CMA CGM ownership.

CMA CGM emphasized that maintaining Crystal's independence will allow the business to expand its customer base while supporting fleet reliability and aircraft availability. The transaction remains subject to completion.